1Erciyes University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, Kayseri, Turkey
DOI :
10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.17440-16.0
AIM: To evaluate the clinical success of the en bloc laminoplasty and impact of the arcocristectomy on postoperative axial pain of
the patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM).

MATERIAL and METHODS: A retrospective review of 81 patients with CSM who underwent en bloc cervical laminoplasty while
preserving posterior structure of the cervical spine during the period from 2007 to 2014 was performed. Arcocristectomy was
performed if the C6-7 level was included in the surgery. The posterior spinal elements and muscles attached to the spinous process
of C2 and C7 were preserved. Thus, postoperative deformity of the cervical spine could be avoided. The neurological status of
the patients was assessed using the modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scale. The neurological recovery rate was
calculated according to the Hirabayashi method.

RESULTS: The mean modified JOA scale score was 11.4±2.4 preoperatively and 15.0±3.9 postoperatively. The neurological recovery
rate was 68.6%. C7 arcocristectomy was performed in 19 patients. No axial pain was noted in the first 2 postoperative months.
Keyhole foraminotomies were performed in 11 patients and radicular pain completely resolved after surgery. Temporary C5 nerve
root palsy was observed in 3 patients. Mean cervical spine lordosis was 10.6o±10.5o preoperatively and 8.6o±9.5o postoperatively.
No postoperative spinal instability or kyphotic deformity was noted.